Featured Artist… Dee Beard Dean!

Early Snowfall by Dee Beard Dean
Early Snowfall by Dee Beard Dean

A stunning painting, right? Dee Beard Dean is well know nationwide and has quite a following. Dee’s work is nothing short of amazing, she paints both plein air (outdoors) and does studio paintings.  I thought I would feature a few of her winter scenes. I love snow scenes (especially in the heat of the summer!), there is something that feels like home about them. Perhaps it’s because I grew up in Michigan? Dee’s paintings make you feel as if you are there! She has quite a way with light and shadow, wouldn’t you say? I love that little splash of red in this painting…

After the Snowfall by Dee Beard Dean
After the Snowfall by Dee Beard Dean

Yet another fabulous winter scene, where you can feel the cold from the snow but also the warmth from the sun. Again, amazing light and shadows. I love the dark branches with the highlights of white… She’s got great color and brushstrokes in the snow and it’s nice how you can feel perspective in this painting – simply fabulous!

The holiday season officially kicks off and is in full swing. Many of you are out and about today on “Black Friday” trying to find just the right gift…  Have you considered the gift of art? It’s the gift that keeps on giving, year after year!

These paintings are available (as I write this a few days ahead) at Galerie on Broad – located at 29 Broad Street, Charleston, SC – you can contact them at 843.410.6332 or email them at galerieonbroad@me.com. Better yet, if you’re in the area stop in and say hello!

In case you aren’t familiar with Dee…

Dee Beard Dean - Biography

Dee Beard Dean has been painting all her life.  She was raised in the Amish countryside of rural Indiana and studied at Grand Rapids College, Kendall College of Art, and the New York Academy of Art.  After marriage, she moved to the Florida Keys where she became a professional painter and passed the gift of painting to her two children, Terry Sargent and John Beard, both of whom are now successful artists.  Before gaining recognition as a portrait and landscape painter, Dee pursued a career in fashion, designing and manufacturing her own clothing line with a national label.

 Dee is a passionate and prolific artist who has studied with many renowned artists and is nationally recognized for her painterly landscapes and her expertise in many media including pastels, watercolors, and oils.  Her greatest inspirations have come from painting en plein air where her eye for color and composition, and her elevated senses guide her hand in creating paintings filled with evocative light and dramatic shadows. 

 Dee founded the Plein Air Painters of the Southeast (PAP-SE), a professional organization of acclaimed plein air artists living and working in the southeastern US.  Her workshops are in great demand, offering instruction in this country and in beautiful locales around the world.  She is also well known for her portraits and has done many noteworthy commissions.  Dee has received many awards at juried art competitions and has been published in regional and national journals.  Her artworks can currently be seen at fine art galleries around the country.  Dee resides in Charleston, SC with her husband, Dr. Nicolai Chalfa.  Her first book, A Painter by Providence, is in publication.

Images and bio via DEEBEARDDEAN.COM

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       The Flatbread Company, Portland, Maine – Pizza with a View!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   The most awesome saute pan ever!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Broad Street Geranium…

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This geranium sits in an office window on Broad Street. It is beautiful year after year… wonder if it’s the same one? Look at that wonderful light! As I write this we are in the midst of an “arctic blast” of cold weather. My fingers feel like they are about to crack… some of this sun would feel mighty nice right now! As you read this I believe our temps are supposed to warm up quite nicely! Woohoo, gotta love Charleston, SC!

Have a great day…

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Featured Artist… Quang Ho!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Artist to watch… Pam Ingalls!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Dru Warmath!

Coastal Landscape 8 by Dru Warmath
Coastal Landscape 8 by Dru Warmath

Just look at these coastal landscapes. Pretty fabulous right? Artist Dru Warmath is known for her abstract work. Her abstracts differ from others because she paints abstract landscapes which makes them so interesting. Now is the time to purchase one of her paintings, she is still reasonably priced (very!), but her prices are going to be increasing soon, so if you’re thinking about it… now is the time! These paintings, along with others are available in Charleston, SC at Galerie on Broad. If you’re in the area, check them out in person. They are large impressive pieces (40×40). They make a statement for sure!

Coastal Landscape 7 by Dru Warmath
Coastal Landscape 7 by Dru Warmath

Read a blip about Dru from her website:

Charlotte, North Carolina artist Dru Scott Warmath has been a full-time, professional artist since 1990.  Her artwork has won major awards in numerous regional and national shows.  She is an elected member of the National Watercolor Society.  Warmath employs an interesting division of space and odd, personal shapes to carry highly sophisticated color relationships in her paintings. 

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Featured Artist… Louisa McElwain!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Artist to watch… Karen Hollingsworth!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Images via DruScottWarmath.com – Dru’s work can be seen at Galerie on Broad, located at 29 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401

One majestic bird… by sculptor Darrell Davis!

Darrell Davis sculpture in gallery window...
Darrell Davis sculpture in gallery window…

Regal. Doesn’t this sculpture look regal? This is FLYING HERON by Darrell Davis. His work is amazing and he shows locally in Charleston, SC at Anglin Smith Fine Art. FLYING HERON stands an impressive 85″ high.. I love how dark this photo is against the light colored building.

Enjoy your Sunday!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Bowens Island… always a treat!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Keep your memory sharp… a game!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A walk down Broad Street…

A view down Broad Street - Charleston, SC
A view down Broad Street – Charleston, SC

I like the funky blue’s in this photo… this was taken last Friday during the art walk… it was an amazing night for it. I think the prediction of rain kept some people home. There was still a good crowd and it only drizzled right at the very end.  This photo looks like it would make a great painting… those clouds, the car lights, the steeple… nice! Have a great weekend!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Featured Artist… Brian Stewart!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Artist to watch… Mark Horton!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

ART! PAPSE Show opens TONIGHT at three Charleston galleries 6-8PM!

Painting by James Richards
Painting by James Richards

Plein Air Painters of the Southeast (PAPSE) is a great group of artists that paint “plein air” (painting outdoors). Their work is nothing short of amazing. They have to be quick to catch the light, but each is so talented in their own way. If you are in the Charleston, SC area, you are in for a treat. The Wet Paint Exhibit & Reception Opens – November 8 (TONIGHT!), 2013 from 6 pm – 8 pm at 3 Galleries in Charleston, SC – Can you imagine? Nearly 30 artists paint their hearts out for days in a row in Charleston, then tonight the show appears in three separate galleries… Coco Vivo Fine Art, Edward Dare Gallery and Galerie on Broad – you must check it out! Take a peak at the list of artists in each gallery. I am looking so forward to this!

The exhibit runs through November 16, 2013 – so catch it if you can!

PAPSE

PAPSE

Images via Plein Air Painters of the Southeast Facebook

Just a few examples…

Chillin by Larry Moore
Chillin by Larry Moore
Shem Creek Shrimpers by Katie Dobson Cundiff
Shem Creek Shrimpers by Katie Dobson Cundiff
Bowens Island Morning by Richard Oversmith
Bowens Island Morning by Richard Oversmith
Prices Alley by Bill Farnsworth
Prices Alley by Bill Farnsworth
Workshop demo by Bill Davidson
Workshop demo by Bill Davidson
Painting by Lori Putnam
Painting by Lori Putnam
Painting by Rich Nelson
Painting by Rich Nelson
Marsh Gold by Stuart Roper
Marsh Gold by Stuart Roper
Angel Mystery by Scott Boyle
Angel Mystery by Scott Boyle
Painting of Old Red Grocery in Rockville by Shannon Smith Hughes
Painting of Old Red Grocery in Rockville by Shannon Smith Hughes – Image Shannon’s FB
Painting by Andre Lucero
Painting by Andre Lucero
The Old Fisherman by Dee Beard Dean
The Old Fisherman by Dee Beard Dean

Hope to see you there – catch you back here tomorrow!

Another Bowens Island Sunset…

Bowens Island Sunset
Bowens Island Sunset

Gorgeous, right? I love the pink on the water and the sharp contrast of the dock… this was a gorgeous sunset at Bowens Island (Charleston, SC)…

Taking a few days off, back to normal posting on Friday! Have a great week!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Your Vote Counts Today! (2012)

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Hop on and take a ride around the island!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Bowens Island Sunset…

Bowens Island - Charleston, SC
Bowens Island – Charleston, SC

Taking a few days off so I’m sharing a photo with you… back to regular posting soon!

A friend was in town and we headed to Bowens Island restaurant… sooo good! Look at this sunset! Out of this world!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…        Featured Artist… Kirk McBride!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…    Daylight Savings Time Ends… (2011)

Charleston Photo… The buildings just can’t be beat…

Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC

I’m giving myself a little vacation… nice, eh? So for the next few days I’m going to spring a few Charleston photos on you…

GREAT city… beautiful architecture, fabulous food, amazing art… what’s not to like about Charleston?

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       A nice peacefully quiet Monhegan Island wharf…

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Surgery, Chemo and the END of Radiation… GO MOM!!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: Lucky Chalm at Crosby’s Seafood…

Lucky Chalm at Crosby's Seafood near Folly Beach
Lucky Chalm at Crosby’s Seafood near Folly Beach

There is nothing better than the deck party at Crosby’s Seafood… where you can grab a plate of fried shrimp and sit on the dock… its a great time especially around the time of sunset when you can get some amazing photographs! This photo happened to be taken earlier in the day… Crosby’s has fresh shrimp, fish and oysters as well as bait, beer and ice! Check it out if you’re in the area!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…      Daylight Savings Time ends… Set clocks BACK one hour… 

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Charleston’s Fine Art Weekend and a fine example.. the Wentworth Mansion by Jennifer Smith Rogers!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

I love fall!

Charlie walking on the Greenway... Charleston, SC
Charlie walking on the Greenway… Charleston, SC

Fall is fabulous… my absolute favorite time of year! The days are getting cooler now… soon the time changes and we get an extra hour of sleep, woohoo! Charlie especially loves it because in addition to walking in the morning, he can get a walk in after dinner. We always feel better if we move after we eat… can’t just sit!

Hope you all have a wonderful week

F L A S H B A C K       

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Art websites with small images = frustration…

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Wanted Halloween costume wearing patrons… Taco Boy! (2011)

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Halloween sky…

Truly a walk to remember...
Truly a walk to remember…

Look at this gorgeous sky reflected in the water… kind of Halloween’ish isn’t it?  This photo was taken while out walking… nothing fancy, it was the reflections that really caught my eye!

Enjoy your day!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       I am officially an adult… Eat for a better memory… week 3!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   A pumpkin patch, Halloween candy and great memories!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A fabulous October sky…

October sky... Charleston, SC
October sky… Charleston, SC

We see some magnificent sunsets in Charleston, SC. This one was no exception. I wonder why the sunsets in October seem to be over the top? This particular sunset had people pulling over to snap photos… gorgeous!

Wishing you a lifetime of beautiful sunsets!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Featured Artist… Alfred Peter Frank Sanford!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Want to play Santa? A tax deductible way to have a blast… (2011)Here is the link for 2013http://palmettoproject.org/families-helping-families/fhf-lowcountry/

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[f e a t u r e d a r t i s t ] L y n n D u n b a r !

My Pet Chickens by Lynn Dunbar
My Pet Chickens by Lynn Dunbar

Such bright vivid colors make Lynn’s work so happy to look at! These chickens have ATTITUDE! Lynn captured the light perfectly… this is a great painting!

Anderson's View II by Lynn Dunbar
Anderson’s View II by Lynn Dunbar – Image: AmericanImpressionistSociety.org

This painting was accepted into the American Impressionist Society’s 2013 show held at M Gallery of Fine Art (soon to be named Principle Gallery). Fine work indeed! If you’re in the Charleston, SC area, you can still see this painting, the show runs through October 30, 2013!

Read a blip about Lynn from the Malton Gallery website:

Everything we do through out our day influences our moods and actions. Viewing art can set the tune for an entire day. I believe that people should surround themselves with art that makes them feel good and emits positive energy.  A good piece of art can take us out of ourselves and transport us to a different season, place or time.

Landscapes and color are my passion. I travel the back roads looking for new places to paint.  One of my favorite things to do is to hike in the woods. The forest surrounds me, holds me, and envelops me.  Standing amidst the encompassing forest trees is an awe-inspiring experience, bringing me closer to my higher power. When I paint the landscape, I hope to create a scene that one can walk into and feel. Feel the light, feel the dimensionality and the universality of nature. The hues I see are intriguing, and it seems like the harder I look, the more colors I see. 

Eventually the high wears off and I go back to my studio and paint.

After graduating from Purdue University, I was an advertising art director for many years before picking up a paintbrush.  Painting has been therapeutic to me in dealing with the loss of my son to childhood cancer.  I donate a portion of my proceeds from the sale of each painting to Childhood Cancer Research. 

Over the past few years, I have been lucky enough to study with Wolf Kahn in Vermont, Skip Whitcomb in Colorado and Michael Carter in Kentucky. I was honored to be one of the featured artists in the book “Painting Indiana ll” published by Indiana University Press.

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Coastal Carolina Fair Begins Tonight (2012)

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Artist to watch… Karen Smidth – a bazaar artist in a  very good way!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston, SC Voted #1 by Conde Nast Traveler Readers for the 3rd year in a row!

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Woohoo! This is exciting news for Charleston, SC! Conde Nast Traveler readers have voted our city NUMBER ONE in the United States for the third year in a row! No easy task!

So thank you to all who voted, and thank you Conde Nast Traveler!!

From Conde Nast Traveler’s website:

CHARLESTON

Readers’ Choice Rating: 83.2

Culture: 84.5
Friendliness: 84.3
Atmosphere: 86.4
Restaurants: 86
Lodging: 82.1
Shopping: 75.1With “sand, sun, history, good food, and friendly people,” Charleston is a consistent hit with the travelers who venture to this “gracious and beautiful” city (in fact, it’s taken first place our list of Top 10 Cities in the United States for three years now and been rated as the friendliest). Nearby beaches and impressive architecture draw visitors, but it’s the “insanely nice” locals who enhance “magnificent” bed and breakfasts and “amazing shopping.” “The charm of this city brings me back every year,” praised one devoted fan. “The food, history, architecture and people are wonderful,” said one reader. “A bucket list city!”

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Featured Artist… John Cook!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Harvest Festival at the Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA Oct 22-23, 2011!

Catch you back here tomorrow!